Baptism

[karamelkiss_22]

What is the right way to be Baptised? I thought pretty much you had to be submerged under water, but I was watching T.V. yesterday and I saw a Methodist Church Paster put his hand in some water that was blessed, touched the person being Baptised on the head, said a few scriptures and it was done. Is that the proper way? Is there other ways that are correct? I'm very curious because I myself want to be Baptised, but I want it done the right way. Thanks for any responses.

[ephraimanesti]

What is the right way to be Baptised? I thought pretty much you had to be submerged under water, but I was watching T.V. yesterday and I saw a Methodist Church Paster put his hand in some water that was blessed, touched the person being Baptised on the head, said a few scriptures and it was done. Is that the proper way? Is there other ways that are correct? I'm very curious because I myself want to be Baptised, but I want it done the right way. Thanks for any responses.

MY SISTER,

The Scriptural mode of Baptism was complete emersion. i do not, however, believe that God ignores sprinkling or other means used today. but honors the intent rather than worries about the method.

However, my preference would be complete emersion as that was the method used in Scripture.

ephraim

[LilLamb219]

The quantity of water does not matter. What makes a baptism is water and God's Word. God has attached His promises to the waters of baptism.

[TheGuide]

I have witnessed some beautiful baptisms in a swimming pool, but the most amazing that I've ever witnessed happened two weekends ago when 200-plus people were baptized in the pacific ocean! Aw man, that was so SUPER!

The entire body submerged in water is the correct way to be baptized, and if this can be accomplished in a bathtub then that's fine too, but it has to be a tub big enough for the water to envelop the whole body in one dunk:) .

Good bless you,

The Guide

[jazzypooh]

What is the right way to be Baptised? I thought pretty much you had to be submerged under water, but I was watching T.V. yesterday and I saw a Methodist Church Paster put his hand in some water that was blessed, touched the person being Baptised on the head, said a few scriptures and it was done. Is that the proper way? Is there other ways that are correct? I'm very curious because I myself want to be Baptised, but I want it done the right way. Thanks for any responses.
maybe what you saw wasn't actually baptism. it sounds more like the laying on of hands. but in any event, you're supposed to be totally emerged in the water. yep, you get dunked...

but before you do it physically, make sure that you've done it spiritually. baptism is done as a reflection of something that has taken place already within you.

God bless you! So glad to hear that you have joined the family!

[Nutella]

I just got baptized last week *g*. I believe we should do what the scriptures say ;-). I also agree with Jazzypooh.

[renee09]

i dont know. ive seen my pastor done it your way too. with the water in hand and then the sprinkling on the head. i believe that works too. as long as God is there and you really want to be reborn.

i personally want to be dunk into a tank though. just seems to symbolize more.

[Nutella]

The symbol of a baptizm means being reborn in Christ. Once you get dunked you stop breathing and close your eyes. You are getting dunked. The water represents a grave. Once you come back up you are reborn. You start breathing and open your eyes. This is a reason why I don't belive sprinkling is the right way. It's not the way Jesus did it.

[bornagain01]

Either way is acceptable to God but let me tell you this story. About 30 members of our Church went white water rafting on the Ocoee River in Tn. When we got about half way down to a shallow and calm spot, 10 of our members got out of the rafts and were Baptized by the minister right there in front of 100's of of other rafters. What a blessing.

[heymikey80]

Hey, KaramelKiss22.

Baptism definitely implies quite a quantity of water, but I don't think that absolutely implies immersion.

In history you find:The earliest known baptismal font (ca. 200: Dura Europos, presently at Yale University) is incapable of submerging a person. It's a shallow bathtub of stone. This is either a great demonstration of infant baptism, or a great demonstration that baptism wasn't by submersion.

The earliest direct reference to the quantity of water, the Didache, prefers large amounts of fresh (ie, "living") water, but prefers smaller amounts against salt water, and actually specifies a minimum where water is scarce: "sprinkle three times on the head in the name ..."

Catacomb images of the time generally have the baptized person in water -- but not submerged, instead standing in water. Some of the early catacomb baptismals aren't large enough for submersion, either.

Two early versions of one verse (Mk 7:4) actually trade "baptizo" for "rantizo" -- that is, "baptizing" for "sprinkling".
Total submersion is not demanded by the word "baptize". From the historical data it seems likely to me that the person walked into the water and water was poured on his head so as to drench him.

[TheGuide]

Hey, KaramelKiss22.

Baptism definitely implies quite a quantity of water, but I don't think that absolutely implies immersion.

In history you find:The earliest known baptismal font (ca. 200: Dura Europos, presently at Yale University) is incapable of submerging a person. It's a shallow bathtub of stone. This is either a great demonstration of infant baptism, or a great demonstration that baptism wasn't by submersion.

The earliest direct reference to the quantity of water, the Didache, prefers large amounts of fresh (ie, "living") water, but prefers smaller amounts against salt water, and actually specifies a minimum where water is scarce: "sprinkle three times on the head in the name ..."

Catacomb images of the time generally have the baptized person in water -- but not submerged, instead standing in water. Some of the early catacomb baptismals aren't large enough for submersion, either.

Two early versions of one verse (Mk 7:4) actually trade "baptizo" for "rantizo" -- that is, "baptizing" for "sprinkling".
Total submersion is not demanded by the word "baptize". From the historical data it seems likely to me that the person walked into the water and water was poured on his head so as to drench him.
When you shower or bath, do you not let water touch every part of your body? Baptism is the same concept. You don't "half do it," you let the baptism water touch every inch of you.

[LilLamb219]

There are also verses in the bible where large tables were "baptized" which meant to wash. They couldn't immerse those. This is why you need to let scripture interpret scripture and see how the words are used elsewhere...it's not about how much water is used.


Hey, KaramelKiss22.

Baptism definitely implies quite a quantity of water, but I don't think that absolutely implies immersion.

In history you find:The earliest known baptismal font (ca. 200: Dura Europos, presently at Yale University) is incapable of submerging a person. It's a shallow bathtub of stone. This is either a great demonstration of infant baptism, or a great demonstration that baptism wasn't by submersion.

The earliest direct reference to the quantity of water, the Didache, prefers large amounts of fresh (ie, "living") water, but prefers smaller amounts against salt water, and actually specifies a minimum where water is scarce: "sprinkle three times on the head in the name ..."

Catacomb images of the time generally have the baptized person in water -- but not submerged, instead standing in water. Some of the early catacomb baptismals aren't large enough for submersion, either.

Two early versions of one verse (Mk 7:4) actually trade "baptizo" for "rantizo" -- that is, "baptizing" for "sprinkling".
Total submersion is not demanded by the word "baptize". From the historical data it seems likely to me that the person walked into the water and water was poured on his head so as to drench him.

[heymikey80]

When you shower or bath, do you not let water touch every part of your body? Baptism is the same concept. You don't "half do it," you let the baptism water touch every inch of you.
I think if God were requiring the physical image of cleanliness it would be a continual rite. "Baptism saves us -- but not the putting off of dirt on the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience before God." 1 Pt 3:21

[cyberlizard]

baptism is equated with death and burial. Now i have never heard of anyone being buried with only a few shovel fulls of soil.

that aside, the only way to know how the early church really practised is to look outside the bible (as it does not explicity say how it was done. I do know that when a person converted to judaism the baptism was full and naked!. - though the word baptise simply means 'dip') - i advise people download and read the 'didache' as a quick and dirty guide to very early church practise.

Steve

[bornagain01]

Baptism is an "outward" expression of something that has taken place "within" your life. One IS NOT saved by the process of Baptism. There is NO right or wrong way to be Baptized any more than there is a right or wrong way to worship God.
Whether you are a Pentacostal who really gets down during worship service or you are a conservative Presbyterian.. God loves the form of worship you bring to Him.
Whether you want to be submersed or sprinkled, it's up to you.
As a side note....we had 10 members that wanted to be Baptized in a river like Christ was, so we loaded up the cars and all went to the river.

[heymikey80]

T'me it's quite interesting the Didache's more interested in fresh-water (or flowing water -- "living water") baptism, too. That imagery seems to hold more points of contact for the imagery of baptism than the quantity of water. The quantity of water seems to be a more recent argument -- though the eastern church appears to have submerged from fairly early, the western church shifted to lower quantities.

I see water in all quantities to be valid for baptism.

And no, the water of baptism doesn't save.

[LilLamb219]

It's not the water that saves...but God's promises that are connected to the cross and attached to the waters of baptism that saves. God uses His Word attached to the water to give to us the benefits that were won at the cross! :clap:

[WarEagle]

The Bible is very clear that baptism is by emersion and is never done to babies.

Baptism is for those who've repented and put their faith in Christ. Babies can't do that.

[WarEagle]

There is NO right or wrong way to be Baptized any more than there is a right or wrong way to worship God.

If there isn't a right or wrong way to be baptised, then why is the Biblical model always baptism of the believer by emersion?

For the record, there is a right and wrong way to worship. That's why the Bible gives us guidelines on how we are to worship.

[bornagain01]

I have been to many Bible based churchs do not have Baptismal pools.
Presbyterian, Methodist, Independents. I have been to Baptisms done in a swimming pool. Since it's not the act of Baptism by which you are "saved" it should not matter to the person being Baptized how it's done.

"Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please Him."
Within the guidelines, God loves all different kinds of worship. Musical instruments or no music at all, hands raised in rejoicing or solemn. Obviously, smoking pot as part of your religious worship is not acceptable.

[heymikey80]

My church is very ... um cerebral ... about the way we went about deciding on how to deal with Baptism. One of the people who defends this view wrote a small pamphlet on the topic. So if nothing else, you'll learn some things about the history and Scriptural treatment of Baptism.

Baptism, by Francis Schaeffer (http://www.fivesolas.com/fs_bapt.htm)

[jlcboi23]

I have witnessed some beautiful baptisms in a swimming pool, but the most amazing that I've ever witnessed happened two weekends ago when 200-plus people were baptized in the pacific ocean! Aw man, that was so SUPER!

The entire body submerged in water is the correct way to be baptized, and if this can be accomplished in a bathtub then that's fine too, but it has to be a tub big enough for the water to envelop the whole body in one dunk:) .

Good bless you,

The Guide
I agree...the body has to be emersed fully in water and make sure you are baptized in Jesus name.
See Acts 2:38

[visionary]

When you give your life to Him. You want to give it all. Pray about all the answers you were given and know in your heart that which is right between you and the Lord. Let not your hearts be troubled. God is more interested in your heart than the symbolism. Just as the thief on the cross was promised salvation without baptism and many were baptised in the spirit without water, so you are a believer...

[jawsmetroid]

baptizō
Thayer Definition:
1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe
3) to overwhelm
Part of Speech: verb

Immersion, and I believe the reason is that it symbolizes being born again- death of old self, birth of new.

[ashleymarie1089]

so if you get baptized as a baby, it's not really a baptism? what is it? my mom calls it christening, but i always thought it was the same thing. i got water on my head and then was welcomed into the church. slfjdlsa confused!

[bornagain01]

Christening is a vow that your parents take to bring you up in the church. It has nothing to do with your salvation. Once you fully understand why Christ died for you and you accept His sacrifice and repent of your sins and turn from "your life" to a life that follows Christ you will want to show publicly what has happened to you inwardly.
It's simply a demonstration to show the world "you have decided to follow Jesus." If you ask Christ into your life and was killed before you were Baptized, it would not affect your Salvation.

[ashleymarie1089]

so when people are talking about baptism and christening, they're completely different things?
is a christening where they also pick the religion they want you christened under? or is that baptism?
sorry, i'm being a pain.

[LilLamb219]

so when people are talking about baptism and christening, they're completely different things?
is a christening where they also pick the religion they want you christened under? or is that baptism?
sorry, i'm being a pain.

No, baptism and christening are the same things and they both contain water and God's Word (thus bringing the benefits of the cross to that person).

[bornagain01]

As a child, I was christened in the Presbyterian church as an infant. I could make NO DECISIONS of my own concerning Salvation. At the age of 55, I discovered Christ for the first time in my life. To show the world of the change in my life, I was Baptized. It IS NOT the same thing. Do not be confused.

[heymikey80]

As a child, I was christened in the Presbyterian church as an infant. I could make NO DECISIONS of my own concerning Salvation. At the age of 55, I discovered Christ for the first time in my life. To show the world of the change in my life, I was Baptized. It IS NOT the same thing. Do not be confused.
This is not the place for debating and attacking. Pointedly bornagain01, either you caused your own life change by your decision, or God did it. It's what Presbyterianism says -- not that your decision isn't allowed, but that your secondary decision is caused by and dependent on God's primary decision to change you. That's why your decision for yourself doesn't save you. It requires God's work in you.

Welcome to the people of God. He's been working on you a long time I see.

[bornagain01]

God does not want any to perish. He did not create man for the purpose of sending him to Hell. God gives us all "free will" and the opportunity to make that choice. Nobody is left out of the loop unless they choose NOT to accept Christ as their personal savior.

[LilLamb219]

This is not the place for debating and attacking. Pointedly bornagain01, either you caused your own life change by your decision, or God did it. It's what Presbyterianism says -- not that your decision isn't allowed, but that your secondary decision is caused by and dependent on God's primary decision to change you. That's why your decision for yourself doesn't save you. It requires God's work in you.

Welcome to the people of God. He's been working on you a long time I see.

Great posting! God doesn't need our permission to save us :)

[Br0kenSunshyne]

This is interesting to me too, cause I personally am afraid of water. We'll see what happens.

[heymikey80]

This is interesting to me too, cause I personally am afraid of water. We'll see what happens.
It would be a good idea, if you're phobic, to get used to the steps "on dry land." Otherwise it's simply uncomfortable.

I was baptized by immersion. At the time I was joining a Baptist church.

Based on that ... if you're going to be immersed, make sure it's a pretty strong person and ask specifically for a chance to talk with him beforehand about your fears before signing up for it.

I can tell you, the procedure does require some strength to uphold you while they're holding your nose. They're likely going to tip you over backwards as is normal of revival-legacy churches. It's good to have someone experienced doing it.

It's really ironic to me how much this deviates from even the ancient immersive practice.

[Br0kenSunshyne]

ewwwwwwww *freaks out*

[heymikey80]

Heh, better to freak out online!

If you've ever been on those "group-building" courses, where they want you to entrust yourself to someone else while falling backwards, or jumping off a high place ... yeah, it can feel like that.

Which is not a bad experience, in and of itself. It's pretty relevant to what baptism is starting -- relying on Jesus Christ.

[Br0kenSunshyne]

LOL. Yay! I LOVE paranoia!!!!!

[savedbygracebre]

Many ways, they all vary, however the most important thing to remember is that baptism is "an outward sign of an inward change". Once Christ comes to live in you, He will bless anyway you signify your life with Him. It's not "how" you do it-it's "why" you do it.

[VincentBlack]

To be fair I would have to say that I prefer the full-submerging as it is scriptural. Although I would say that I don't think it hugely matters so long as it is not infant Baptism (christianings) as that is actually rooted in Babylon Idol Worship.